Navlakha Temple, Ghumli, Gujarat

Navlakha Temple, Ghumli, Gujarat

Navlakha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Sun, located in Ghumli Village in Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat, India. The Temple is considered as the oldest sun temple of Gujarat. It rivals the Somnath Temple and Modhera Sun Temple in its architecture. The Temple was under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Navlakha:

The Navlakha temple was built at a total cost of Rupees Nine Lacs hence the temple was named Navlakha.

Curse of a Sati named Son:

It is said that Ghumli was destroyed due to curse of a Sati named Son with whom Rana Bhanji Jethwa fell in love.

History

Ghumli was the capital of Saindhava dynasty which ruled western Saurashtra from middle of eighth century to middle of tenth century. The Saindhava Copper plates and several inscriptions mention Bhutambilika, Bhumilika, Bhutambilimandal, Bhutambilyan, Bhumbhall Bhubhrutpalli, Bhumbhiliya. It was later corrupted into Bhumli and then Ghumli. Ghumli was declared as second Capital by Jethwa dynasty, in 1220 by Rana Shiyaji, who took the title of Rana of Ghumli and shifted capital from Shrinagar.

Ghumli remained their Capital till 1313, when Rana Bhanji Jethwa, was defeated at a war, he fled Ghumli & shifted to Ranpur. Jadeja Jam Unaji came from Sindh and attacked Ghumli in 1309 but was defeated later in 1313 his son Barmaniyaji Jadeja attacked and defeated Rana Bhanji Jethwa. He completely destroyed Ghumli and turned it into ruins. Navlakha Temple at Ghumli was built by Jethwa rulers in 12^th century CE. The temple was destroyed when Ghumli was sacked by Jadeja Jam Barmaniyaji attacked Ghumli in 1313.

The Temple

The Temple is considered as the oldest sun temple of Gujarat. The temple follows a combination of Solanki style architecture and Maru-Gurjara style of architecture. The temple is of Sandhara type. The Temple is facing towards east. It has the largest base (Jagati) of the temples in Gujarat, measuring 45.72 x 30.48 m. The Temple had a beautiful entrance arch or Kirti Toran, that is now lost. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a covered pradakshina path with balconies. The Ranga Mandapa (large gathering hall) is two storeyed.

The mandapa has eight-sided pillars for support. There are images of Brahma & Savitri in the south, Shiva & Parvati in the west and Lakshmi & Narayan in the north in Bhadra Gavashaka. An entwining tusk of three elephants is considered to be a trade mark of this temple. An image of two elephants fighting with their trunks can be seen on the back wall of the temple. The carvings on the outer walls represent figures from the Shaiva mythology and friezes.

There are two step wells called as Vikai Vaav and Jetha Vaav near to the Navlakha temple. Vikai Vaav is the largest step well in entire Kathiawar region. Vikai or Vikia Vaav was constructed by Jethwa ruler Vikiaji. Hence, the Vaav was named after him. It is considered as one of the oldest and the biggest step wells. The well has many flights of steps leading up to it. The entrance pavilions can be seen standing intact at three places.

Ghumli Ganesh Temple:

There is a temple dedicated to Ganesha, popularly known as Ghumali Ganesha Temple outside the Navlakha Temple. This Temple was built in the 10th century AD. The temple has a tall shikhara and devoid of any notable carvings in the outer walls. It is now in a dilapidated condition.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 Kms from Bhanvad Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Bhanvad Railway Station, 42 Kms from Porbandar Airport, 42 Kms from Porbandar, 87 Kms from Jamnagar, 146 Kms from Rajkot Airport and 361 Kms from Ahmedabad. The temple is situated on Porbandar to Jamnagar Route via Bhanvad.

Location | Photos